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Today Dillon, MT turns 135 years old. We are also releasing our third show of Southwestern Montana News, and we are pleased to have a special with Wally Feldt on Dillon history. Did you know Dillon, Mt will be one of our new segments. Wally will be bringing you small history updates, on the town we call home. We hope you enjoy it, as much as we enjoy making the show.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, along with partners from the East Bench Joint Board and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, will conduct a flushing flow out of Clark Canyon Reservoir beginning Friday, May 1, to move sediment deposited in the Beaverhead River, helping restore and maintain aquatic habitat. River users should be aware that the flushing flow regime will be released May 1 through May 3. Beaverhead River discharges will increase from overwinter releases of 90 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 600 cfs on May 1. Flows will be reduced to meet irrigation season demands over the next two days. The Beaverhead River is a renowned trout fishery; however, trout populations have declined by as much as 50 percent immediately following large sediment deposits from Clark Canyon Creek, and habitat recovery has been slow. These events occur randomly after large rain or snowstorms that coincide with low flow releases from the reservoir. After studies were conducted to determine the cause of these events and what it would take to avoid negative impacts on fish populations, the partner agencies decided to store 2,100 acre feet of water and conduct a flushing flow from Clark Canyon Reservoir to move sediment and maintain habitat health. The first flushing flow was released in 2017, and it was effective in clearing sediment and improving river health. The Beaverhead River supports 2,000 to 3,000 trout per mile in its upper reach. The river sees about 40,000 angler days per year, and recreationists who come to enjoy the river spend several million dollars locally each year.

This Friday Love Inc is hosting another Cruise night titled "Cruizin out of Seclusion." They are wanting to shine this weeks cruise on those who are graduating. They will also be collecting donations to the local food pantry and Love Inc. We here at Southwestern Montana News would love to see the cruise become a Friday summer time tradition, either it be weekly or even once a month. With that in mind we want to make this Fridays cruise even bigger, our crew will be out Friday during the cruise and we will be judging the cars. We have a collectible Coca-Cola model car to give away to the winner as well as a 1/2 hour professional photo shoot for the winner and their car. If you have a car that you want to show off, this Friday night is the time to do it. We will be out judging and one lucky person will be our winner. Lets fire up our engines and show support for our graduates.

DILLON: are you ready for “Cruisin ’Out Of Seclusion” this Friday night, May 1, 2020 at 7:00 P.M? We are changing the theme of the “Cruise” this week to honor our 2020 Dillon Graduates: DMS 8th graders, BCHS Seniors, UM Western Seniors, and Montana Youth Challenge who have missed out on many special memories during their senior year. We will be using the same “Cruise” route: from the Chamber of Commerce down Montana Street to the stop light, turning right on Helena to the three way stop, turning around in the High School gym parking lot, back out on Helena to the stop light, down Montana Street to the Chamber parking lot. Join the “Cruise” at any point along the route. Don’t stop after just one loop let’s keep this thing going for at least 45 minutes. It would be cool to have car windows painted in your school colors and decorated in honor of a graduate you want to recognize. Make signs to hold out vehicle windows, stick on your cars, dress up in school colors, etc. So let’s get all you graduates, families, and friends out for a night of “Cruisin” to honor these special individuals and let them know they have not been forgotten. Last week’s cruise was a blast and your generous donations to the Dillon Food Bank and Love INC. were amazing. In case you missed last week and would still like to donate to those causes, we will have the tubs out in the BW Lodge parking lot. We want to hear horns, noise makers, and see lots of decorated cars and people! Cruise and wave/honk, display your signs for our GRADUATES while still maintaining social distancing by Not getting out of your cars. Come on Dillon lets have some fun with this…

We have received a letter from Sue Hansen Director of Beaverhead County Health, outlining the phase one directives for reopening. Beaverhead County Public Health Directive Phase One Reopening April 24, 2020 OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS • Continue to practice physical distancing and keep 6 feet apart when in public. Continue to practice good handwashing. • Any person with symptoms of illness must isolate until well. • Continue to avoid all non-essential travel. Strong recommendation to wear face coverings when in public. 2 weeks of quarantine continue to be mandated by the Governor for persons arriving from out of country or state for non-work-related purposes. People over age 65 with underlying medical conditions should continue to isolate. If a business requires driving in a vehicle with non-family members, face coverings MUST be worn. Do not gather in groups of more than 10 people and continue appropriate physical distancing. Gyms, pools, and hot tubs remain closed. Other places of assembly remain closed (e.g. movie and performance theaters, concert halls). ALL SETTINGS • Health assessments must be conducted for all employees at the beginning of each shift. In establishments where customers wait in a line, non-household customers should remain physically distanced. Waiting areas where the public may congregate must be closed. Customers should be encouraged to call for a reservation or an appointment, or establishments should use an online wait listing application. Physical distancing of 6 feet must be maintained between non-congregate customers, this may require: O A reduction in capacity; O Appointment/Reservations should be utilized. o Systems that reduce the amount of contact time between customers and staff EMPLOYER RECOMMENDATIONS Develop and implement appropriate policies, in accordance with Federal, State, and local regulations and guidance, and informed by industry best practices, regarding: o Social distancing and protective equipment. O Temperature checks and/or symptom screening. Do not allow people with a temperature of 100 degrees F to work. Do not allow sick people to work. o Collaborate with public health on testing, isolating, and contact tracing, o Sanitation. o Use and disinfection of common and high-traffic areas Continue to ENCOURAGE TELEWORK whenever possible and feasible with business operations. When telework is not feasible it is encouraged to ACCOMMODATE ALTERNATE WORK SCHEDULES such as shift work and staggered scheduling in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Close COMMON AREAS where personnel are likely to congregate and interact; or enforce strict social distancing protocols. MINIMIZE NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESS TRAVEL. SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS should be made for members of a VULNERABLE POPULATION OR those with vulnerable household members. SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS: SENIOR LIVING OR ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES must continue to prohibit visitors. Those who do interact with residents and patients must ensure strict protocols regarding hygiene and protection are followed. o This includes daily screening of staff for symptoms and preventing ill workers from working. o Face coverings for all staff. CHILD CARE FACILITIES can remain operational but should follow State and local guidelines regarding operational levels and occupancy. MAIN STREET AND RETAIL BUSINESSES: OPEN 4-27-20 Businesses can become operational with reduced capacity and where strict physical distancing protocols can be maintained. Social distancing must be enforced in the building. Staff and customers must wear face coverings. Surfaces, door handles need to be cleaned regularly. Surfaces touched by customers need to be cleaned between customers such as point of service machines. • No public waiting area. Reservations/appointments encouraged. Curbside service encouraged. • Suspend complimentary food/drink offerings. Staff and customers should be symptom free. Symptomatic staff or customers should be asked to isolate at home. • GYMS / POOLS / HOT TUBS remain closed. FAITH ORGANIZATIONS: OPEN 4-26-20 PLACES OF WORSHIP can become operational with reduced capacity and where strict physical distancing protocols can be maintained between non-household members. O Youth groups can meet if physical distancing can be implemented. o People can sit in family groups but must social distance otherwise. No limitations on church attendance as long as distancing is followed. o Block off every other pew with tape. O A reduction in capacity o Increasing spacing, removing stations, or marking stations as closed o Providing for a physical barrier between stations O A reduction of seating in service areas. No waiting areas. o Systems that reduce the amount of contact time between customers and staff Chairs, surfaces, and equipment need to be sanitized between clients. Suspend complimentary food/drink offerings. This Directive will remain in effect until the Governor of the State of Montana announces the next State Directive.

Local organization Dillon Love Inc held Cruisin in Seclusion tonight. Locals gathered at the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce parking lot, driving from the Chamber of Commerce down Montana street to the stop light, turning right on Helena to the three way stop, turning around in the High School gym parking lot, back out on Helena to the stop light, down Montana Street to the Chamber parking lot. Participants were encouraged to bring food goods to drop off for the local food pantry, or toiletries needed for Love Inc. About 30 cars lined the street and drove up and down honking and waving at those they passed by. This was a great way for area residents to get out of the house and enjoy a breath of fresh, while practicing social distancing. The night's event made for an optimistic outing for people of all ages and demonstrated our community pride and commitment to each other.

Schools •Beginning May 7, 2020 all schools have the option to return to in-classroom teaching delivery. •The State recognizes that if reopened, schools will require the district to make adjustments and create plans, policies, and procedures. •If schools plan to reopen they should consider: •Implementing an alternative educational delivery model that includes a mix of in-person and remote learning. •Providing focused individual education, especially for at-risk students. •How to reconnect and meet the educational needs of students who fall behind in a remote learning environment. •The importance of maintaining the connection between students, teachers, and parents. •The important role that schools play in the health of students, families, and communities. •Graduation environments that can meet the social distancing requirements. Phase One: Individuals •ALL VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS should continue to follow the stay home guidance. Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus back home. Precautions should be taken to isolate from vulnerable residents. •Vulnerable Individuals: people over 65 years of age and/or those with serious underlying health conditions, including high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and those whose immune system is compromised such as by chemotherapy for cancer and other conditions requiring such therapy. •All individuals (non-household), WHEN IN PUBLIC (e.g., parks, outdoor recreation areas, shopping areas), should maximize physical distance from others. •Avoid GATHERING in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing. •MINIMIZE NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVELand adhere to Montana guidelines regarding quarantine. Phase One: Employers •Continue to ENCOURAGE TELEWORK whenever possible and feasible with business operations. •When telework is not feasible it is encouraged to ACCOMMODATE ALTERNATE WORK SCHEDULES such as shift work and staggered scheduling in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines. •Close COMMON AREAS where personnel are likely to congregate and interact; or enforce strict social distancing protocols. •MINIMIZE NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESS TRAVEL. •SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS should be made for members of a VULNERABLE POPULATION or those with vulnerable household members.14 PHASE TWO ➢Gatherings may expand to 50 people. ➢Vulnerable populations should continue to follow stay home guidance. ➢Gyms / Pools / Hot Tubs can become operational. ➢In addition to houses of worship, other places of assembly can become operational under the group size restrictions and physical distancing guidelines in this phase. Individuals and Employers •Avoid GATHERING in groups of more than 50 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing. •NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL guidelines remain the same as PHASE ONE for individuals traveling into Montana and for Montanans returning home. •VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS should continue to adhere to the stay home guidance. •Continue to ENCOURAGE TELEWORK as much as possible and where feasible but refer to guideline in PHASE ONE when telework is not possible. •SENIOR LIVING OR ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES must continue to follow the guidelines of PHASE ONE. •CHILD CARE FACILITIES can in crease capacity if physical distancing guidelines can be implemented. •ORGANIZED YOUTH ACTIVITIES remain operational and should avoid GATHERING in groups of more than 50 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing. •ALL BUSINESSES can remain operational and must adhere to physical distancing. •RESTAURANTS / BARS / BREWERIES / DISTILLERIES / CASINOS remain in the same operational status as PHASE ONE, but with an increase in capacity. •GYMS / POOLS / HOT TUBS can become operational with reduced capacity and only if they can adhere to strict physical distancing and they exercise frequent sanitation protocols. •OUTDOOR RECREATION remain in the same operational status as PHASE ONE. •PLACES OF ASSEMBLY can become operational with reduced capacity and must adhere to physical distancing. Avoid GATHERING in groups of more than 50 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing. PHASE THREE ➢No limit on group size. ➢Vulnerable populations can resume public interactions, but should practice physical distancing, and continue to take precautionary measures. Complete document can be found at https://www.docdroid.net/XvJdCGP/reopening-montana-phased-approach-pdf#page=11

This Friday night from 7 pm to 8 pm Cruisin In Seclusion is going to take place. The drive is described as two fold in nature. It is a great way to get out and drive through our neighborhoods, honking and waving at people as you pass by. All the time practicing social distancing as you stay in your car. Second part is they ask you to bring non perishable items to be collected for the Dillon Food Bank and Love INC. The cruise will start at the Chamber of Commerce located at 10 W Reeder St, Dillon, MT. You will then head down Montana Street to the stop light, turning right on Helena to the three way stop, turning around in the High School gym parking lot, back out on Helena to the stop light, down Montana Street and back to the chamber parking lot. The cruise is expected to go about an hour and they are asking people to check Love INC Facebook page for items needed for donation.

When I started Southwestern Montanan News one of the things I wanted to do was incorporate a lot of video into the platform I was using. We started with live streaming city council meetings and important updates that where happening with the COVID-19 crisis. We would throw in some video with our weekend rundowns, and we introduced you guys to Debbie Reads. With the slow down of our ways of life and having most businesses shut down, this gave me the time to work with some people and put together a project I have wanted to do from the start. Today I am proud to introduce our weekly show we will be rolling out, We will be doing a rundown of some news, some humor pieces, movie reviews, sports, and a top ten. As the show grows, we will grow with it. We hope you enjoy our pilot episode as much as we enjoyed making it.

(DILLON, MONTANA) – The Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors for United Way of Beaverhead County, originally slated for Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020, is postponed indefinitely until the COVID-19 situation stabilizes to a point where groups can begin meeting face to face once again. The UWBC Board felt strongly that the Annual Meeting is more effective in-person, as it is the time for members of the public to make comments, and for potential board members to get a feel for the organization. Thus, the Board would rather not conduct the Annual Meeting in an online format. Once Montana and Beaverhead County has been determined safe to meet in groups again, the Annual Meeting will be rescheduled and advertised. Please plan to attend the re-scheduled Annual Meeting and hear about all the good work happening through United Way and its partner agencies in Beaverhead County. For more information, call the United Way office at (406) 683-4269.

If you are one of the many effected by the COVID-19 crisis and are looking for work KCI+3M has a couple positions open. KCI now a part of 3M, a global advanced wound care company offering innovative solutions from the hospital to home that improves the lives of patients in more than 90 countries, currently has an opening in the Dillon, MT office due to an increase in business opportunity. If you’re looking to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, and innovative environment with loads of opportunity, then you just might be the one we’ve been looking for. We offer competitive wages and great benefits. To apply, visit https://3m.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Search/job/US-Montana-Dillon/Billing-Collections-Specialist_R01007453 and start your new career! Billing / Collections Specialist Req #: R01007453 (Appeals Specialist) : We have two positions under this requisition.  These positions review all Medicare denials and initiates the next appeal step for Redetermination or Reconsideration process with the appropriate DMERC consistent with the requirements specified by Medicare Appeal Process. Must have HS Diploma or equivalent and ability to type and work with 10 key.

Beaverhead County Public Health Beaverhead County Incident Command Team Update 4/7/2020-4/13/2020 Beaverhead County established an Incident Command Team on March 20th, 2020 to address the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time, we thought it would be important to begin giving weekly community updates on what we’re working on. Since our establishment we’ve accomplished the following tasks: Continued monitoring of PPE inventory for all of the EMS units in Beaverhead County Received most ordered supplies for sanitizer. Created protocols for production and distribution. Established protocols to notify first responders of positive COVID-19 patients for pre-arrival in accordance with Governor Bullock’s directive. Continued community outreach via the Public Health Facebook Page and a newly created page dedicated to COVID-19 on www.beaverheadcounty.org Identified and began working with community partners, and will continue to do so, to address needs of the community at large. Identified issues in our social safety net; food insecurity, social isolation, mental health decline, and financial hardship for members of our communities and have begun plan development in partnership with community organizations to help where we can. We’re currently holding meetings of the Incident Command Team twice per week. If you or your organization is interested in ways you can help, please reach out to us at scaltrider@beaverheadcounty.org or by calling 406-865-0853. Beaverhead County has administered 111 total tests, with 5 tests currently pending. At the time of this writing, 3:30 pm 4/13/2020, there has been 1 positive test in Beaverhead County, 5 positive tests administered here to Madison County Residents. We want to thank the people of Beaverhead County that are adhering to the social distancing mandates, it’s your hard work that is keeping us safe. Please CONTINUE to observe these measures until they’re lifted, this is not the time for complacency. Remember to stay home as often as possible, wash your hands, and take care of your families during the trying time.

When I started this venture, I told myself I would remain neutral and avoid opinion pieces. But as local businesses worry about the future and we try to practice what the local authorities are telling us as Montanans we need to do, I find myself becoming more frustrated with the complete lack of disregard from those coming into our state. My tipping point came in the form of a Facebook post in a local classified, warning people that out of state roofing companies are going door to door, trying to drum up business. I make my income through advertisements from local businesses. With most of these having to close their doors for the time being, I have all but stopped trying to get more business, especially knowing the hardships small businesses are facing right now. It's a scary future for us. I sent a message to both the Beaverhead County Health Department and also the Dillon Police department asking them if the going from door to door was legal, as well as about the 14 day self quarantine. The police department responded, saying they have talked to these companies and told them to stop with the door to door. If you have one that comes to your door, call the police. The health department responded almost the same way but also included that anyone coming from out of state for non work related purposes must self quarantine for fourteen days, but that work related purposes didn't require such actions. So basically these roofers do not have to self quarantine. To me, this is a slap in the face for the small businesses that have been deemed non essential. As we struggle with an uncertain future, our state is allowing workers to come into the state with a bypass of the quarantine rules and allowing them to work in public with no worry. I believe in competition and I also understand that our local contractors may have more jobs then they can finish. But I also believe that if we are shutting our doors and expected to follow the rules, the State also needs to stop the situations involving out of state workers. In these times they have asked a lot from small businesses, I believe they should also ask the same from these companies; as long as a stay at home order is in place, they should also ask out of state contracting companies doing work like this to be put off until this order is lifted and they allow our own small businesses to get back to work. If you do decide to go with an out of state contractor, some words of advice from Judy Siring of Farmers Union Insurance. A word of advice- as spring is in the air it’s now time to replace your hail damaged roof from last August catastrophic hail storm. Please make sure as you are choosing a roofer (whether local or from out of the area) that you are able to obtain a certificate of insurance showing that they have general liability insurance and workers comp if they have workers, you should be listed as the certificate holder. If they are from out of state call their insurance agent (their info should be on the certificate of insurance) and make sure their coverage covers them in Montana. Keep that certificate with all your roof repair info so that if you have any issues down the road with your roof you have an avenue for recourse. If I can help you in any way or if you are unsure give me a call at 683-2365. Out of State Roofing Companies Working During Stay at Home Order

In a press conference Tuesday, Gov. Steve Bullock announced he is extending his stay-at-home order, issued in response to the global coronavirus pandemic, through Friday, April 24. Other directives issued by the Governor were also extended through April 24, including the closure of schools; the closures of bars, casinos and other nonessential businesses; prohibited dine-in service for restaurants; and the suspension of evictions, foreclosures and the shutting off of utilities for nonpayment. Other recommendations include wearing a cloth mask to cover your face, when out in public. Also remember to keep washing your hands, don't touch your face and use hand sanitizer.

The Attorney General, who oversees the Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), has requested the temporary suspension of Certain requirements pertaining to the process for renewing a driver’s license online or by mail; Certain requirements relating to the administration of commercial driver’s licenses where waiver has been authorized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA); and Certain timelines relating to motor vehicle title and registration transactions. The request is made in light of the measures being taken by the State of Montana and local governments across the state to temporarily modify and restrict access to government offices and require the use of online, mail or telephone access to services where available. The temporary suspensions requested will, in conjunction with my March 17, 2020 Directive extending the expiration dates for certain MVD-issued credentials, further reduce the present need for direct interactions between Montana citizens and government employees for certain driver’s license and vehicle title and registration transactions. Based on the foregoing considerations, I find that strict compliance with certain requirements related to driver’s licenses outlined below, will prevent, hinder, or delay necessary actions in coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, in accordance with the authority vested in me under the Constitution, Article VI, Sections 4 and 13, and the laws of the State of Montana, Title 10, Chapter 3 and Title 50, Chapter 1, MCA, and other applicable provisions of the Constitution and Montana law, I hereby direct the following measures be in place in the State of Montana effective immediately for the duration of the emergency, except as specifically provided herein: I. Online/Mail Renewal of Driver’s License MVD may renew a driver’s license online or by mail: Without submission of an approved vision examination and medical evaluation form; o regardless of whether the license was previously renewed online or by mail; So long as the license has not been expired for more than one (1) year; and For a foreign national whose presence in the United States is temporarily authorized, so long as that authorized presence is verified by MVD through the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service’s SAVE verification system. The duration of any license renewed under this Directive will be no more than two (2) years. Strict compliance with the above-described requirements of § 61-5-111(3)(d), MCA, are temporarily suspended for this limited purpose only. All other requirements of § 61-5- 111(3)(d), MCA, remain in effect. II. Commercial Driver’s License Administration MVD may temporarily administer the provisions of Title 61, Chapter 5, MCA, relating to commercial driver’s licenses in a manner consistent with any temporary waivers authorized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Strict compliance with the Title 61 requirements relating to commercial driver’s licenses are temporarily suspended for this limited purpose only, and only those provisions of Title 61, Chapter 5, MCA, directly related to a federal waiver authorization are affected. All other requirements of Title 61, Chapter 5, MCA, relating to commercial driver’s license administration remain in effect. III. Statutory Timelines for Certain Motor Vehicle and Driver’s License Transactions The following statutory timelines for the described motor vehicle and driver’s license transactions are hereby extended for a period of ninety (90) days: The deadline for registration and title application for vehicles as applied to vehicles transferred after March 16, 2020 (§ 61-3-220(3), MCA); The deadline for dealer transmittal of title paperwork to a county treasurer or authorized agent for sales occurring after March 16, 2020 (§ 61-4-111(2), MCA); and The deadline for a new Montana resident to (1) register and title vehicles (§ 61-3- 302(1)(b), MCA) and secure a Montana driver’s license (§ 61-5-103, MCA). Strict compliance with these specified statutory timelines is temporarily suspended for this limited purpose only. Conflicting Administrative Rules Suspended To the extent any administrative rules conflict with the provisions of this Directive, strict compliance with the provisions of such rules is suspended for the duration of the emergency. Authorities: Sections 10-3-103, -104, -302, and -305, MCA; §§ 50-1-202, -203, and -204, MCA; Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020; Montana Constitution, Art. VI, Sections 4 and 13; and all other applicable provisions of state and federal law. Limitations • This Directive is effective immediately and expires at the end of the declared state of emergency in Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020. • This Directive shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. • Nothing in this Directive shall be construed to limit, modify, or otherwise affect the authority granted by law to the Governor, any department, agency, political subdivision, officer, agent, or employee of the State of Montana, or any local or municipal government except as expressly provided in this Directive or other Directives now in effect implementing Executive Orders 2- 2020 and 3-2020. • This Directive is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the state of Montana, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Beaverhead County has their first confirmed case, a female in her twenties who was in direct contact with someone who had it.

On Sunday, March 22 the body of Harry Montgomery, 54 of Troy, Montana was found on a local ranch.  His body has been identified by the Montana State Crime Lab through fingerprinting.  Mr. Montgomery was reported as missing on January 13, 2020 by his family.  His vehicle was located on northbound Interstate 15 near the south interchange.  There were no signs of foul play there is no health threat to the community.  His cause of death is pending toxicology.

An earthquake approximately forty four miles West of Challis, Id was felt by Dillon residents, as well as residents throughout the State. According to the USGS website the quake registered in at a magnitude 6.5 at 5:45 pm. As of know no damage has been reported around Dillon.

Press release from the Governors office: Governor Steve Bullock today announced consumer protections to lessen the economic impacts on Montanans during the COVID-19 statewide emergency by stopping evictions, foreclosures and cancellation of utility services including water, heating and internet service. “One of my top priorities is continuing to find ways to ease the financial hardships on Montanans. So long as this virus forces Montanans to stay home to save lives, Montanans need a home to stay in,” Governor Bullock said. “This order ensures that a loss of income won’t lead to Montanans losing their homes or having the heat turned off if they can’t pay the rent or make their monthly utility bill.” For the duration of the Directive, landlords are prohibited from terminating a lease or refusing to renew or extend the terms of a current lease agreement, at least on a month-to-month basis. It also prohibits late fees or other penalties due to late or nonpayment of rent, prohibits rent increases except for those previously agreed upon and prohibits landlords from seeking damages in court due to nonpayment of rent. The Directive also stops involuntary sales of homes, foreclosures, liens placed on residential properties or late fees charged due to inability to pay mortgage payments on time for the duration of the Directive. The Directive does not relieve tenants from paying rent or borrowers from paying mortgages or other financial obligations related to homeownership. Additionally, the Directive prohibits suspension of utilities during the emergency, including electricity, gas, sewage disposal, water, telephone, or internet services, and prohibits late fees for bills due during the Directive. The federal CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) passed by Congress on Friday includes additional funding for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), which helps low-income households with heating homes, weatherization, and energy-related low-cost home repairs or replacements. LIEAP in Montana is administered by DPHHS. To apply for LIEAP, contact your local LIEAP (Human Resource Development Council) offices, call 1-833-317-1080 or visit the state’s LIHEAP website at www.lieap.mt.gov . Finally, the Directive also requires public housing authorities to extend deadlines for housing assistance recipients. It also requires the Montana Commissioner of Banking, along with the Montana Department of Commerce, to identify tools that could be used to bring Montanans relief from the threat of residential foreclosure, and to promote housing stability. Governor Bullock declared a statewide emergency to respond to COVID-19 on March 12.The Directive is effective now through April 10, 2020, in line with other Directives, though it may be extended.

The Dillon City Council will hold their regular monthly meeting on 04/01/2020. They know with the COVID-19 outbreak that social distancing needs to be practiced. They will limit the number of people who will be in the meeting, They have also made arrangements for it to be accessed electronically through Zoom. Here is the press release with the info to join in if you would like. Regular Council Meeting Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. Hard copies will not be printed for council. The agenda and packet are available on the City of Dillon website. http://www.dillonmt.org/SiteData/Agendas/2020/2020-04-01%20Reg%20Packet.pdf The City of Dillon understands that citizens have the right under the Montana Constitution to observe and participate in local governmental affairs by personally attending all public meetings of the Dillon City Council, boards and committees. Due to unprecedented public health concerns with the COVID-19 virus pandemic, anyone who would like to attend the meeting, may do so via “Zoom”. Cell phone meeting id: 770-316-6528. Computer https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 Allow permission for mic and camera.  Plan to join the Zoom meeting 5 to 10 minutes prior to Council meeting start time, which is 7:00 p.m. For problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245. As with all City of Dillon meetings, a recording of these proceedings will be kept and available for review upon request.